Climate Change Affects Children

The humanitarian situation in East Africa is deteriorating at an alarming rate, due to the severe drought caused by climate change. In 2017, the typically strong June-through-September rains were weak, leaving the region dry and barren.

“Our family used to have many livestock and seven camels, but now we just have three goats, said 11-year-old Ayan. Severe drought caused her family to lose their only source of food and income.

“I miss drinking camels’ milk – I remember it was so delicious, but it’s too expensive to buy now. When I’m older I’d like to look after livestock like my family used to.”

With over 80% of the population dependent on rain to grow crops for food and income, millions of families and children are at risk of extreme hunger and malnutrition. This urgent crisis has already exceeded levels not seen since the Horn of Africa drought of 2011.

160 Million Children – Live in areas with high risk of flooding (delete period at end)

20 Million Children – Live in at-risk areas in crisis-torn countries

4 Million Children – Died from indoor air pollution-related causes

70 Million Children – Live in at-risk areas without access to clean water

50 Million Children – Live in poverty, their family earns less than $3.10/day

Nora lives with her five children and husband in Bodale. She says life is hard as the family earn two thirds less income as they did when they had more livestock.“We moved 20 villages trying to find water before settling here. It was very hard but we had to do it to find water and keep as many of our livestock alive as possible. We used to have over 80 but now we have 26 – so many have died.” — Nora, 20-years-old, and her infant daughter Sahra.

“In the mornings I walk to near the mountains and try and feed the goats we have. We used to have hundreds of goats but now we just have 10. I also help my mother by collecting water. When it’s hot I get really thirsty but there isn’t much water. I can’t move or do anything when I’m thirsty. I just have to sit down. I’d like to play football but we don’t even have a ball to play with. I just feel disappointed all the time.” — Ahmed, 9 years old.

Welcome!

We’ll be in touch! By signing up to receive emails from Save the Children you will receive a subscription to our monthly eNews, access to breaking emergency alerts and opportunities to get involved. To ensure delivery of Save the Children emails to your inbox, add support@savechildren.org to your contact list.

An organization you can trust

In fiscal year 2017, 86% of all expenditures went to program services. Find out more.

Save the Children Federation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts are deductible to the full extent allowable under IRS regulations.

† By providing my mobile phone number, I opt in to receive text messages and phone calls from Save the Children regarding its lifesaving work. Text STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Message & data rates may apply.